Runners always appreciate Christmas gifts from their local running specialty store. There are many wonderful gift ideas for your running friends, family members, or for yourself.  With some great help from the store managers I chosen a handful of gifts for every budget and some interesting stocking stuffers.

If you don't have something reflective to wear then one of the following is a must.  At Running Fit in numerous locations throughout Michigan, I found some new NIKE jackets with a thin light tube using a watch type battery to illuminate the front and back for only $80.  Brooks has a performance jacket fitted for women with a small night light on the sleeve.  PrincetonTec Scout headlamps are another item to guide your way in the dark for just $25. I used a wonderful (9 volt) lighted collar on my dog from Auroralites that you can purchase by calling 905 690 3506.

Some hot sellers this year includes Mizuno's Polyacrylate hats and gloves at $20, that will heat you up when your head and fingers make the gear moist. Get-a-grip by Sure Foot has carbide tip rubber slip-ons with spikes to fit over your running shoes for better traction in the snow - $28. 

The adidas SuperNova Trail shoe is still one of the best selling shoes for running in the snow and trails too. It comes with reflective side for $85.

Hanson's Running Shops has the ultimate in watches. The Timex Body Link is a heart rate monitor and GPS (global positioning system) all built in together for $300. They also promote their connection to Race for the Cure with their women's pink ribbon caps for $15.

Maxit Headgator Polypro/Lycra tube blocks out cold and wind and is versatile as a hood, neck warmer or ear band. They sell in multiple colors at Hanson's for $17.

The New Balance Store in Farmington Hills recommends a balaclava to keep your head and neck warm. These warm woolen hood covering have been used by mountain climbers and skiers for years. Prices from $20. They also carry the latest sock used by the NHL and other professional sports to prevent or help heal leg injuries.  The Oxysox from $20 is a graduated compression stocking that studies are showing significantly reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. 

All of the running specialty stores carry some of the best running books.  Marathoner Dick Beardsley's book Staying the Course is a worthy read. The 2004 Runner's logbook is a great stocking stuffer. A nice surprise might be a subscription to the magazines Michigan Runner or Marathon and Beyond.

The Running Factory in Windsor has found the self-massager called The Stick for $38 very popular at Christmas time. Their Sugoi (Japanese for all right or your with it) line of MidZero hats and gloves do well.

Tortoise and Hare in Ann Arbor also carries Sugoi windbriefs and boxers for men ($27 and $35 respectively).  Amphipod CD, key clip and water bottle holders are inexpensive items for any runner. Waterproof InSport Nimbus jackets for $100 are popular at their store.

Total Runner in Southfield and Southgate "Life is Good" hats and long sleeve T's for under $25. The sleek 100/200 lap watches with large displays is a popular Christmas gift for less than $70.

For stocking stuffers try a GU, Power Gel, Balance and Clif bars in assorted flavors. Body glide to prevent chafing, deer fly patches and Aloe lip-gloss are nice surprises too.

Upcoming Race: Reindeer Run 5km, Lifetime Fitness in Troy, Saturday December 13, 8:30 am. Call 248 267-1000 for more information.